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9 Critical Elements of a Shipping Label

9 Critical Elements of a Shipping Label

A shipping label is more than just a mere sticker that you put on a package. As a business owner, your shipping labels are a crucial component of your supply chain, and slot gacor hari ini understanding their importance is crucial. A lack of clarity in the shipping label can cause delays in transit, incorrect deliveries, or complete loss of the package. Any of these situations can lead to financial loss or loss of trust from customers.

What constitutes a shipping label? What is the importance of shipping labels? Here’s a guide on what to look for in label design for shipping.

What Is a Shipping Label?

A shipping label serves as an identification document affixed to packages to ensure that they reach their intended destination quickly and efficiently. It contains important information that is necessary to identify and process the package correctly during transit and upon arrival. Both humans and machines rely on shipping labels to comprehend the origin, destination, and stops of a package.

Although shipping labels may seem like a small aspect of the puzzle, they play a vital role in both inbound and outbound logistics, as well as the overall success, outreach, and satisfaction of your online store.

By creating a shipping label, you can monitor and manage your orders, provide a positive customer experience, improve brand loyalty and customer retention, and ultimately increase profitability.

Shipping labels are important in any stage of the supply chain management process because they contain essential information about the orders. Each label is unique and cannot be reused once it’s outdated. You need to create a shipping label for each delivery.

Elements of a Shipping Label

The shipping label contains vital information about the sender and recipient
The shipping label contains vital information about the sender and recipient

Although shipping labels from major carriers such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS have minor differences, they typically include similar information. Here is some essential information on shipping labels you have to incorporate:

  1. Address
    When it comes to shipping labels, one of the most critical pieces of information to include is the name and address of both the seller and recipient, along with their respective contact numbers. This information is typically displayed prominently on the top section of the label, often in a bold font and larger font size than the rest of the label. This is especially useful if the barcode were to become illegible due to damage. This also ensures that it is easily visible and identifiable, allowing the shipping carrier to efficiently and accurately route the package to its intended destination.
  2. Product Details
    A shipping label also typically includes important details regarding the package’s contents. These details may include the length, width, and height of the package, as well as the weight of the items contained within it.Carriers often have size and weight restrictions for packages, and failing to provide accurate measurements can result in the package being rejected or delayed. Additionally, this information allows carriers to estimate shipping costs and determine the most efficient way to transport and handle the package to prevent damage.
  3. Order Information
    Frequently, order details such as the Invoice Number, Reference Number, and PO Number can be found on the shipping label.
  4. Bar Codes
    When designing a shipping label template, it’s important to remember that the label must contain both a MaxiCode and a routing code. The MaxiCode is a fixed-size, two-dimensional matrix code that aids in the efficient sorting of packages. To ensure that the code can be read easily by both machines and humans, regardless of orientation, the barcodes should be printed boldly. Additionally, the MaxiCode should be surrounded by a white space known as the “Quiet Zone”, which should be kept free of any information by the sender. This white space is included in the label template to make sure that the barcode can be read from any direction without any obstacles.
  5. Tracking Number
    When a customer ships a package through a delivery service provider, they are given a tracking ID. The tracking ID is usually clearly printed on the shipping label to ensure that it is visible to both parties. This enables the shipper to keep an eye on the package’s progress and confirm its delivery, while the recipient can track the item’s location and estimated delivery date. Also, tracking packages online has become a standard expectation in the shipping industry, providing convenience and transparency for customers who want to stay informed about the status of their shipments.
  6. Service Type
    The method of shipping is referred to as Service Type, which can be categorized as Standard, Express, Priority, and other similar options. It is usually represented by letters inside boxes, such as P for Priority Mail, F for First-Class Mail, E for Priority Mail Express, and an empty box for Critical Mail.
  7. Level of Service
    Depending on the level of urgency, the carrier may select from various options such as Standard, Xpress, UPS Ground, or UPS Next Day Air.
  8. Billing
    Including the billing method on the label is a vital piece of information. This is typically indicated as “P/P” for pre-paid, “T/P” for third-party, or “F/C” for freight collection.
  9. Custom Area for Special Instructions
    A sender or supplier may wish to include a special note on the shipping label to inform handlers and recipients about any necessary precautions to take while handling or receiving the package. The designated space on the shipping label can be utilized to add any notes regarding the appropriate handling or storage of the package.

Best Practices for Shipping Labels

Special instructions must also be visible in the package
Special instructions must also be visible in the package

In addition, bear the following in mind while using shipping labels:

  • Special Instructions

To ensure the safe delivery of your package, it is important to indicate any special instructions on the packaging. This could involve labelling it as “Fragile”. “Perishable”, or “Flammable”, which carriers may also request. Additionally, it may be helpful to indicate if the package needs to be handled “This Side Up”. By noting these special requirements, you can help ensure that your package arrives at its destination in excellent condition.

  • Label Placement

When observing the shipping label format and placing labels on your package, it is recommended to affix them on the top of the package, particularly if there is a “This Side Up” instruction. It is important to ensure that the label is fully visible and not folded over any edges, as this could obscure important information or make it difficult to scan. Additionally, be sure to smooth out any bumps or wrinkles after sticking the label down to prevent codes from becoming unreadable. If you choose to cover the label with transparent tape or place it in a plastic wallet for protection, make certain that the entire label is still legible.

  • Packing Slips

To be a successful seller, it is important to provide packing slips, also known as “waybills”, which are included inside the package or in a plastic wallet outside the package. The packing slip acts as a receipt and should contain pertinent information such as the seller’s contact information, the customer’s address, the order date and number, a list of items included in the package along with their quantities, a customer service number, and any additional comments or instructions relating to returns or refunds.

Without proper printing of essential details, shipping packages to the correct customers can be an overwhelming task for the seller. Including the necessary information on the shipping label serves as a useful reference for carriers to ensure accurate and timely delivery of packages.

Since the legibility of this crucial information on the label is of utmost importance, it is recommended to obtain label printing services from reputable companies. If you need shipping and barcode labels, call ProScan Media Products at (905) 426-1338 today.